Why do people always have their windows closed?

[kitsunegames]

If my AC worked I'd have my windows closed too. 1. The ceiling is coming down in the back from all the wind back there. 2. The wind noise makes it hard to hear my stereo and passengers. 3. The smells I get from semi-truck fumes, smokers, and worst of all - sewage on some areas of the freeway are unpleasant. 4. Gas mileage.
During cooler months I use the fan, set to let outside air in.

We finally figured out where the AC is leaking, but its a part only carried by the dealer. Hopefully we'll be able to get it replaced before next summer.

[AVTechMan]

I enjoy driving my car with the windows down in local town driving. When on the freeway however my windows are up, but since my AC isn't working right now I crack down both the passenger front and rear windows for pretty decent airflow.

When I drive my semi at work, windows stay up on the highway since the noise is unbearable.

Then I see the problem of people on the roads tossing out the cigarette butts on the highway on a regular basis. I would hate to see what would happen in the unlikely event a butt is tossed out and a vehicle that's somehow leaking fuel happens to catch the spark.....

[TheViking85]

The main reason for me is noise, even on surface streets (30-45 mph) it's enough to be mildly annoying.

Another reason for me is air quality, especially in a larger, polluted city like Dallas. With the windows up my air is filtered and cleaned, I know it's kind of a moot point since I walk around a lot outside, but I'll take clean air when I can get it I suppose.

Third reason would be, why? I mean why should I be driving with the windows down? I don't see any point to it, if I wanted that a lot of the time I'd just buy a convertible.

[trishguard]

I don't want debris getting into my car, like the cigarette some other driver throws out of their car window or their spit.

I find it's just better to keep them closed for the most part.

Oh yeah, and I have allergies.

[rbohm]

Originally Posted by tvdxer

I've notice something odd about local drivers: they tend to never open their windows. Now, I realize most cars have heating and air conditioning, which is fine when it is cold or hot...but today it was about 72 degrees out, absolutely gorgeous, yet most cars I saw had their windows closed. It's like this every day it is nice out, and it's usually nice out (not too hot, not too cold) in Duluth in August. What gives? Does the same thing happen in your area? Do drivers see their automobiles as hermeneutically-sealed iron pods, from which nothing must escape nor into which nothing must enter? Or is there another explanation?

i generally keep my windows closed because i dont like the wind blowing through my hair as it is a distraction. i also dont like insects deciding they want to ride along in my car. and when i want to listen to the stereo, i want to hear MY music, not the cranked up bass booming rap garbage that some jackass decides is music.

[luzianne]

Originally Posted by tvdxer

I've notice something odd about local drivers: they tend to never open their windows. Now, I realize most cars have heating and air conditioning, which is fine when it is cold or hot...but today it was about 72 degrees out, absolutely gorgeous, yet most cars I saw had their windows closed. It's like this every day it is nice out, and it's usually nice out (not too hot, not too cold) in Duluth in August. What gives? Does the same thing happen in your area? Do drivers see their automobiles as hermeneutically-sealed iron pods, from which nothing must escape nor into which nothing must enter? Or is there another explanation?

I think that's strange too. I enjoy the fresh air and actually I prefer it to air conditioning. But when my husband is in the car with me, he insists on air conditioning; says he is "hot" even if it's 70-ish, which to me feels wonderful. He also likes the AC on in the house, where I like to turn it off and open the windows whenever possible. I told him it's a good thing he didn't live 100 years ago.

[waitingtundra]

Yea, 100 degree heat with 100% humidity, thank god for the ac down here in Louisiana during August

[Subie2]

1. I live in AZ.
2. I too have had a huge bumble bee fly into my car with the windows open. Damn thing flew in and started crawling up my shorts!
3. Some neighborhoods here are notorious for carjackings.
4. Did I mention I live in AZ

[vmaxnc]

Yesterday I drove a friend's Vette about 180 miles, and near the end of the trip the temp got into the lower 80's, and the humidity dropped. That was a great opportunity to open the windows and enjoy the ride.

[NJGOAT]

Around town I like having the windows open if it's nice out. On the freeway though with the wind noise, I generally prefer to keep them closed unless I'm driving something fun where the windows should be open, lol. I think some of it also has to do with the rise in the number of cars with cabin filters and better HVAC systems. The filters keep out all the obnoxious smells you can encounter and the auto climate systems do a great job keeping the temp perfect in the car.